Dash removal
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 4
From: Bozeman MT
Dash removal
Hey, just wondering what advice I could get for pulling the dash. The radio barely works, the speakers are shot, the tach doesn't work, got a bunch of burned out bulbs for the gauges, and the telescoping steering wheel doesn't work and the horn goes off every time you try to telescope it. Plus anything else I may find while I'm in there...
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
Hey, just wondering what advice I could get for pulling the dash. The radio barely works, the speakers are shot, the tach doesn't work, got a bunch of burned out bulbs for the gauges, and the telescoping steering wheel doesn't work and the horn goes off every time you try to telescope it. Plus anything else I may find while I'm in there...
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 459
From: Lititz PA
I think there is a procedure listed on the Wilcox website on how to remove the top dash pad.
While the dash is apart, there's lots to do. First off replace the wiring harness, then all the old vacuum hoses, and test all the vacuum actuators on the heater box. On my '73, I had the tach converted to electronic, and the oil pressure gage converted to electric.
Another thing to consider while the dash is out is to plug all the unused holes and insulate the firewall.
Try to have fun,
John
While the dash is apart, there's lots to do. First off replace the wiring harness, then all the old vacuum hoses, and test all the vacuum actuators on the heater box. On my '73, I had the tach converted to electronic, and the oil pressure gage converted to electric.
Another thing to consider while the dash is out is to plug all the unused holes and insulate the firewall.
Try to have fun,
John
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
If you do this.. use the instructions on the left side to remove column. Then use the dash instructions for the rest of it.. The lower one needs to be updated but... taking the column out makes this job so much easier.
Willcox
Corvette Left Hand Dash Pad Removal Made Easy 1968-1977
Corvette Dash Pad Remove and Install Instructions 68-77
Willcox
Corvette Left Hand Dash Pad Removal Made Easy 1968-1977
Corvette Dash Pad Remove and Install Instructions 68-77
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 4
From: Bozeman MT
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
The pads if original, will be a bit on the brittle side so you really should do this.
It makes the job way easier and it is very easy to remove. Plus, leaving the column in the car can damage the left dash pad where it curves around the column.
It makes the job way easier and it is very easy to remove. Plus, leaving the column in the car can damage the left dash pad where it curves around the column.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 4
From: Bozeman MT
I think there is a procedure listed on the Wilcox website on how to remove the top dash pad.
While the dash is apart, there's lots to do. First off replace the wiring harness, then all the old vacuum hoses, and test all the vacuum actuators on the heater box. On my '73, I had the tach converted to electronic, and the oil pressure gage converted to electric.
Another thing to consider while the dash is out is to plug all the unused holes and insulate the firewall.
Try to have fun,
John
While the dash is apart, there's lots to do. First off replace the wiring harness, then all the old vacuum hoses, and test all the vacuum actuators on the heater box. On my '73, I had the tach converted to electronic, and the oil pressure gage converted to electric.
Another thing to consider while the dash is out is to plug all the unused holes and insulate the firewall.
Try to have fun,
John
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 459
From: Lititz PA
I sent the Tach, Oil Pressure, Oil Temperature, and Amp gage to:
Corvette Instrument Service
9627 Begonia St.
Palm Beach Gardens, Fl 33410
561-627-9345
The Tach was converted to electronic. $240.
The Oil Pressure gage was converted to electric and a pressure sender was supplied. $130.
The Amp Gage was converted to a Volts Gage. $100.
The Oil Temp gage came out of a later model Vette and the gage face style had to be changed to look like my other '73 gages. $30
John
Corvette Instrument Service
9627 Begonia St.
Palm Beach Gardens, Fl 33410
561-627-9345
The Tach was converted to electronic. $240.
The Oil Pressure gage was converted to electric and a pressure sender was supplied. $130.
The Amp Gage was converted to a Volts Gage. $100.
The Oil Temp gage came out of a later model Vette and the gage face style had to be changed to look like my other '73 gages. $30
John
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 106
From: Sloatsburg NY
Oldtimer
Drop the steering column first, center console gauge cluster next then you can get to the fun parts like dash harness and old vacuum hoses. Good luck and make sure you have the color coded wiring diagram.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 945
Likes: 10
From: Winston Salem NC
It's a lot of work yes, but worth it. I put in new bulbs and painted the tubs for the gauges, speedo and tach. Much brighter.
It took me two days to take it all out and a month to put it back in. This includes time to clean and repaint parts.
It took me two days to take it all out and a month to put it back in. This includes time to clean and repaint parts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
The plastic lines going to the oil pressure gauge are known to fail. Mine broke in the engine compartment but others have pumped their radios full of oil. If you don't convert to electronic, you can upgrade from the plastic tube. When mine broke, I found a nitrous oxide hose but it was hard to find the proper fittings and I had to do a bit of garage engineering. Later when I converted all gauges to Auto Meter, I discovered Auto Meter makes a braided hose that will work for these old gauges.
DC
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
I agree with JohnRR these wiring diagrams are cheap and are the best I have found. Money well spent. Oh and I recommend taking lots of photos especially of the harness routing. It can be a real PITA if to reinstall the dash if the harness is not routed correctly. Don't ask how I know.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 4
From: Bozeman MT
I agree with JohnRR these wiring diagrams are cheap and are the best I have found. Money well spent. Oh and I recommend taking lots of photos especially of the harness routing. It can be a real PITA if to reinstall the dash if the harness is not routed correctly. Don't ask how I know.
been there done that as well... I'm sure I'll do it to myself again at some point just the same
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 74
From: Palatine, Peoples Republic of Illinois
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 459
From: Lititz PA
John
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 74
From: Palatine, Peoples Republic of Illinois
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I wasn't questioning the value of the diagrams - my problem is with the Dr's shipping policies. Seems like we get ripped off enough paying top dollar for Chinese junk parts without getting double ripped by a ridiculous shipping cost.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 4
From: Bozeman MT
